Why Shepherds Feel Like Pastors (2)
A friend pastor invited a guest speaker from the conference to attend our church’s All Shepherds’ meeting. That day, the pastor who drove the other pastor was shocked by the appearance of our church’s shepherds and shepherd’s wives. He recalled that the shepherds and shepherd’s wives he had met long ago were so spiritually weak that they couldn’t even express their prayers. He thought it would be difficult to build a church with them. However, the people he met at the conference were not the same as those he had known before. He was amazed at how the congregation members had changed and were now thriving in their roles, and were like pastors.
A pastor who participated in the regional meeting through my friend’s introduction asked, “What is the reason that shepherds have grown to feel like pastors?” I summarised it into three points.
First is Volition. The reason shepherds grow is that they voluntarily engage in shepherding and ministry. Volition is a crucial element found in those who are growing. A person who continuously thinks about how to do better without anyone telling them will inevitably grow.
Second is Responsibility. Since a house church is like a small church, the entrusted shepherd takes on the responsibility of shepherding. Generally, small group leaders in regular churches exist for management purposes, but they do not delegate pastoral care to laypeople like they do in house churches. However, this doesn’t mean they leave them to fend for themselves. House Church pastors prepare shepherds so they can continually engage in pastoral care. Sometimes mistakes happen, and poor judgements can lead to difficulties in the house church. Yet, during these times, the shepherds take responsibility and resolve issues, which helps strengthen and grow their faith.
Third is Expectation. Shepherds anticipate change through the process of evangelising non-believers, baptising them, and making disciples (into shepherds). Thus, as they serve each soul, they realise the necessity of prayer and pray with hope and patience. Another aspect of expectation is the belief that the Lord will reward their lives lived faithfully. The shepherd’s expectation for the soul and the heavenly reward motivates them to endure challenges and continue on this path.
While traditional churches focus on pastor-centred ministry, House Churches are layperson-centred. We see laypeople pouring their passion into God’s kingdom and the Lord’s glory, often exceeding that of pastors.
Word of the week
The 308th House Church Seminar for Pastors concludes today with the Sunday Worship Service. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the pastors and pastors’ wives who participated in the seminar, as well as all our church members who dedicated their time and service to support this event.
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이동주 2024.09.29 09:54
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A friend pastor invited a guest speaker from the conference to attend our church’s All Shepherds’ meeting. That day, the pastor who drove the other pastor was shocked by the appearance of our church’s shepherds and shepherd’s wives. He recalled that the shepherds and shepherd’s wives he had met long ago were so spiritually weak that they couldn’t even express their prayers. He thought it would be difficult to build a church with them. However, the people he met at the conference were not the same as those he had known before. He was amazed at how the congregation members had changed and were now thriving in their roles, and were like pastors.
A pastor who participated in the regional meeting through my friend’s introduction asked, “What is the reason that shepherds have grown to feel like pastors?” I summarised it into three points.
First is Volition. The reason shepherds grow is that they voluntarily engage in shepherding and ministry. Volition is a crucial element found in those who are growing. A person who continuously thinks about how to do better without anyone telling them will inevitably grow.
Second is Responsibility. Since a house church is like a small church, the entrusted shepherd takes on the responsibility of shepherding. Generally, small group leaders in regular churches exist for management purposes, but they do not delegate pastoral care to laypeople like they do in house churches. However, this doesn’t mean they leave them to fend for themselves. House Church pastors prepare shepherds so they can continually engage in pastoral care. Sometimes mistakes happen, and poor judgements can lead to difficulties in the house church. Yet, during these times, the shepherds take responsibility and resolve issues, which helps strengthen and grow their faith.
Third is Expectation. Shepherds anticipate change through the process of evangelising non-believers, baptising them, and making disciples (into shepherds). Thus, as they serve each soul, they realise the necessity of prayer and pray with hope and patience. Another aspect of expectation is the belief that the Lord will reward their lives lived faithfully. The shepherd’s expectation for the soul and the heavenly reward motivates them to endure challenges and continue on this path.
While traditional churches focus on pastor-centred ministry, House Churches are layperson-centred. We see laypeople pouring their passion into God’s kingdom and the Lord’s glory, often exceeding that of pastors.
Word of the week
The 308th House Church Seminar for Pastors concludes today with the Sunday Worship Service. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the pastors and pastors’ wives who participated in the seminar, as well as all our church members who dedicated their time and service to support this event.